Dikshit defamation case: HC shifts case to trial court

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s defamation suit against BJP leader Vijender Gupta seeking one rupee as compensation from him was today transferred from Delhi High Court to the Patiala House court.

The matter was sent to the subordinate court as per the high court’s November 24 office order which states that cases of value less than Rs one crore were to be transferred to the trial court.

Dikshit filed the suit against Gupta in 2010, alleging that hoardings were erected across the city accusing her government of corruption in determination of new power tariff and conniving with the private discoms.

In her suit, she alleged that the BJP under Gupta’s leadership erected hoardings which said her government had “openly looted thousands of crores of rupees”.

The advertisements had also allegedly claimed that the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC) was going to recommend reduction in power tariff, but the “chief minister came in the way”.

Dikshit moved court after Gupta refused to tender a “public apology for the slander” as demanded by her. Gupta had maintained that he would reply in court.